You are bang on John. National unity is not just the Quebec sovereignty issue. Identity politics has had a corrosive effect far beyond that single issue to undermine the entire idea of the country as a general force for good in the world. And Liberal efforts to kill the oil and gas industry in the West is unsurprisingly a prime driver of Western frustration toward the rest of Canada, who have generally supported reducing carbon emissions at the expense of jobs and wealth production. It’s almost surprising is that in spite of this 80% of Albertans are still willing to try to make this federation work.
Well stated. Considering the treatment of Alberta by the federal Liberals I was also shocked that the number was that low. Other than fellow travellers from Saskatchewan it’s not like there was a huge uproar defending provincial rights. Alberta rich. Bad Alberta. Little wonder that a leap of faith toward an even larger me-first narcissist leader would at least be a “what if…” kind of day dream.
Liberal efforts to kill the oil & gas industry in the West is unsurprisingly a prime driver of Western frustration toward the rest of Canada at the expense of jobs & wealth production. Albertans remember the 1980 when Pierre Trudeau used NEP to shut down AB & parts of BC. The loss of JOBS, Homes the price of Food & housing prices soring. I was there an saw the hate for what P. Trudeau was doing to their Lives...now his son is doing the same thing WHY!! Canadians need oil, gas and many by products in their lives an Yet the Federal gov't will buy from OPEC countries. We should be buying CANADIAN!!! It makes you wonder WHOM is profiting? I saw whole subdivisions of homes boarded up...people just left as they could no longer afford their homes!! Lets keep Canada, CANADIAN!!
Great writing John! Always enjoyed your comments and point of view. You are right,people need to remember how good we all have it here in this country I call Canada. I am a proud Canadian,just like I know you are. It is too bad some immigrants bring their old feuds and troubles with them. I’m guessing not many are “on guard for thee”. Easier to tear things down then it is to build it up or actually stand firm for what we know is right
I sometimes have made the mistake of confounding irony with a provocative position. And far too many are too quick to jump to conclusions rather than reflecting (I am also guilty of that). So good for you for posting this as an "explainer" for those who missed the central message and intent.
I too am an immigrant who arrived here in my mid-twenties, forty-seven years ago, and I am more fiercely Canadian than I ever was British. I have served my country in uniform overseas on UN peacekeeping missions and was proud to be regarded as a non-hyphenated Canadian (albeit one with a pronounced ‘speech impediment’, as one wag once described my accent!).
I have never subscribed to official multiculturalism, that policy whereby immigrant communities are effectively told, “Here’s a pot of money for you to build a clubhouse. Come out to a festival once a year, cook us a meal, sing us a song, perform a dance and then go back to your clubhouse.” Neil Bissoondath had it right in his 1994 book “Selling Illusions: The Cult of Multiculturalism in Canada”.
Well, my family has been here much longer, on one side over 200 years (1821) but we’re still immigrants. I don’t care what one single author thought and wrote about. It’s one person. Does it change us as Canadians, not likely. At least not me who married a non Christian, who lives in an area of non Anglo Canadians, whose immediate family has married non “white” individuals. I speak to the reverse of what your author claims.
Lesson #44 in How to be Happy by Karen Salmansohn : LIVE NOW, PROCRASTINATE LATER.
We have procrastinated for too long Canada. Write those letters to your MP, volunteer, re-read THE HOCKEY SWEATER and use your voice. We need a change of government.
Concur completely. The govt is at most fault. The Fed Govt led by a someone who should never have been PM for all sorts of reasons, demonstrated on a daily basis now. The worst is the “post-national” statements. It has done serious damage, giving solace to those who wish to tear Canada apart, especially if they believe such will eventually allow govt funding to flow in their direction to assuage a situation that (may or may not have) developed decades ago or two hundred years ago. Not sure how to fix it now…
Agree completely John. Please keep this drum beat going. Post nationalism, diaspora politics and the cancellation crowd have a chokehold on this country to further their own interests at the expense of Canada. Those of us who truly love this country need voices like yours. Thanks!
I wrote this comment to Jen Gerson's substack entry "The problem of white people" which is as relevant here.
I wonder how many Canadians, white or otherwise, are sick of this whole narrative? You wrote. "we can all acknowledge the errors of our history,". It is time to start reacknowledging the successes of our forefathers. The vast majority of Canadians come from simple, oft times impoverished circumstances. Nothing was given to them. They worked hard to establish themselves and our families. These progressive thinkers have done a great disservice to generations of Canadians who have made this country one that was once envied. That is the Canadian "culture" and it is well worth defending from those who say otherwise.
I realize we are the silent majority. I watched over the last decade or more as minority interest groups organized and through protests, obstruction, demonstrations unravelled the fabric of the Canadian spirit.
Both my wife's and my grandfathers came to Canada as "Home" boys. Working n farms in Ontario in the very early 1900's. My grandmother was forced to leave her family in England as a young teen to be a servant to families in Canada. Yes, very white, very ango but not very privileged.
We have a land worthy of being very proud of — and a people; however, the system that governs the land and people is archaic causing the potential for our glorious land to never be met — which causes the people to work harder for less gain.
Canada needs a new system, but isn’t ready for it, thus we will suffer from the dilemma of poor leadership — since great captains don’t captain sinking ships.
My how far we have fallen from the 1972 Summit Series to the Justin Trudeau years. I’m one of those right of centre Alberta voters who doesn’t want to see us become the 51st state but feel increasingly prouder to be Albertan than Canadian.
Don’t have any real solutions other than replacing the party of “Post Nationalism” which would be a necessary first step.
As an Albertan I'd be happy to be part of the new 51st state. If the eastern mentality of post national and welfare politics continues what would be the point in staying. If the rest of Canada decides it wants a better country they need to stop with the handouts and foreign politics on Canadian soil.
Agreed!! As a former transplant from AB to SK a genXer, the Trudeau’s have been a sht stain on Canada!! I have never appreciated the snobbery Laurentian thinking and definitely do not appreciate any gimmegrants either, WORK for the assistance given! The prairies were built by hard working settlers that had to learn very quickly how rugged and untamed Canada was learning how to survive on the terrain. First Nations were abused but I am unable to make restitution from all those years prior, woke mob smashing W.A MacDonald was pure childish tantrum destruction. I just hope and pray we all could meet together breaking bread/bannock and appreciate our similarities and uniqueness calmly. New to Canada invited also! I feel we’d be surprised at the many similarities shared enjoying one another. It’s okay to feel apprehensive, we’ve been emotionally and psychologically abused by Justin Trudeau since Covid-19&vaccine. Surprised (but not really) that the Trudeau foundation had vested interest in those. This explains his ferocious treatment of us ALL!!! We need the whole weasel LPC gone!!! Freeland Broomhilda WEF supporter will tell us of the whopping liabilities thanks to supporting the war in Ukraine that isn’t ours! Pierre will take over and implement a plan to take financial control and steer us back to sanity. Our military needs some TLC and Canada Post to stop holding up communications and delivery service!! Let’s keep our chins up and keep on moving forward taking time to play and laugh. Lord knows we need that oxytocin and smiles! Canada first. 🇨🇦 🫶🏻 ✌🏼
You put into words a conversation I was trying to have with my son tonight. 26 year old. Home from UVIC for the holidays Smart as hell doing his masters in Public Health. Looking to make a difference. History for some is 20 years ago. Not him.
Agree with you, John. Too much regional warfare is also causing disillusionment. Hoping the threat of Trump will bring us back together with pride and defiance, instead of submissiveness and inner conflict. I am proud to be Canadian
They weren't anti-vax. They were anti-authoritarian. Pro-choice. Freedom of expression. And most of all looking back, all Canadians of all colours, creeds and religions. They did not, however, belong to the woke crowd.
To be lumped in with your other examples of disallusioned Canadians is not respectful of the thousands of regular, working, salt of earth people who stood up to tyranny and inspired the world.
I would encourage you to revise your way of thinking and thank a trucker for virtually everything that we get to enjoy from food to all that fills your house, including your early freedom from lockdowns, masking and repeated dosing of an experimental drug that never did a damn bit of good.
Or perhaps you were ok with all that went on? After all, you masked for it.
I defended their right to protest but not to blockade. I was there daily and it was ugly and I would say in-Canadian. You seem to have a very romantic view of what actually happened on the ground.
I generally agree with your take this time. But not the trucker convoy. A number of my friends were there week in and week out and never reported it as “ugly” except when the mounted police ran over grannies. One of my friends actually helped clean up and maintain the defaced statue.
I was at overpasses in bowmanville and Newcastle BITD among hundreds encouraging the convoy. Lots of flags. Lots of ardent Canadians.
Another point of view.
The Trudeau administration is responsible for this mess but this too will change. Sadly it’s taking a long time as the Khalistani sympathizer Singh props up the Trudeau oligarchy.
They were antivax weirdos afraid of a changing world. I was there and talked to a lot of them. I'm white and a man which made them more open and honest about their reasons. It simply comes down to small minds afraid of a big world.
To all of you regarding g the freedom convoy. The opinions are divided. But a slim majority favoured the protest. Larger majority figured it went on too long. The fact remained the prime minister refused to meet with the protestors. Big mistake and you can blame him if it went on too long. Today terrorist Hamas protests go unchecked unarrested and effectively sanctioned by the prime minister who does nothing. So there is that.
The same PM is propped up by a Khalistani sympathizer and even as recently as yesterday declared it a failure that a woman was not elected as USA president. As he is a feminist
He is a corrupt politician. An f’ing idiot. So be careful how you blame patriotic Canadians who protested in Ottawa. I grew up in Ottawa as a teenager. Cry me a river your skiing was interrupted. Canada first.
Toronto Star:”Takeaways from AP’s report on a study into extremism in the military that used old data
The Associated Press has found that a Pentagon-funded study that looked into extremism in the military relied on old data, included misleading analyses and ignored evidence that could have led to a different conclusion.” November 2024
Means LESS then half. My comment was “ A SLIM MAJORITY “ favored the protest. Some days it’s just absurd. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Mr Ivison among them. But review the polls and understand clearly the legacy media were not objective.
The protest was clear. The protesters were ignored. Any email I sent to a liberal politician? Ignored. Any email to a conservative ? Replied. Starting with Poilievres five years ago. To suggest that the protestors could not be met because the PM disagreed with their views ? Flat out stupid.
You are bang on John. National unity is not just the Quebec sovereignty issue. Identity politics has had a corrosive effect far beyond that single issue to undermine the entire idea of the country as a general force for good in the world. And Liberal efforts to kill the oil and gas industry in the West is unsurprisingly a prime driver of Western frustration toward the rest of Canada, who have generally supported reducing carbon emissions at the expense of jobs and wealth production. It’s almost surprising is that in spite of this 80% of Albertans are still willing to try to make this federation work.
Well stated. Considering the treatment of Alberta by the federal Liberals I was also shocked that the number was that low. Other than fellow travellers from Saskatchewan it’s not like there was a huge uproar defending provincial rights. Alberta rich. Bad Alberta. Little wonder that a leap of faith toward an even larger me-first narcissist leader would at least be a “what if…” kind of day dream.
Liberal efforts to kill the oil & gas industry in the West is unsurprisingly a prime driver of Western frustration toward the rest of Canada at the expense of jobs & wealth production. Albertans remember the 1980 when Pierre Trudeau used NEP to shut down AB & parts of BC. The loss of JOBS, Homes the price of Food & housing prices soring. I was there an saw the hate for what P. Trudeau was doing to their Lives...now his son is doing the same thing WHY!! Canadians need oil, gas and many by products in their lives an Yet the Federal gov't will buy from OPEC countries. We should be buying CANADIAN!!! It makes you wonder WHOM is profiting? I saw whole subdivisions of homes boarded up...people just left as they could no longer afford their homes!! Lets keep Canada, CANADIAN!!
Great writing John! Always enjoyed your comments and point of view. You are right,people need to remember how good we all have it here in this country I call Canada. I am a proud Canadian,just like I know you are. It is too bad some immigrants bring their old feuds and troubles with them. I’m guessing not many are “on guard for thee”. Easier to tear things down then it is to build it up or actually stand firm for what we know is right
I sometimes have made the mistake of confounding irony with a provocative position. And far too many are too quick to jump to conclusions rather than reflecting (I am also guilty of that). So good for you for posting this as an "explainer" for those who missed the central message and intent.
I too am an immigrant who arrived here in my mid-twenties, forty-seven years ago, and I am more fiercely Canadian than I ever was British. I have served my country in uniform overseas on UN peacekeeping missions and was proud to be regarded as a non-hyphenated Canadian (albeit one with a pronounced ‘speech impediment’, as one wag once described my accent!).
I have never subscribed to official multiculturalism, that policy whereby immigrant communities are effectively told, “Here’s a pot of money for you to build a clubhouse. Come out to a festival once a year, cook us a meal, sing us a song, perform a dance and then go back to your clubhouse.” Neil Bissoondath had it right in his 1994 book “Selling Illusions: The Cult of Multiculturalism in Canada”.
Well, my family has been here much longer, on one side over 200 years (1821) but we’re still immigrants. I don’t care what one single author thought and wrote about. It’s one person. Does it change us as Canadians, not likely. At least not me who married a non Christian, who lives in an area of non Anglo Canadians, whose immediate family has married non “white” individuals. I speak to the reverse of what your author claims.
Lesson #44 in How to be Happy by Karen Salmansohn : LIVE NOW, PROCRASTINATE LATER.
We have procrastinated for too long Canada. Write those letters to your MP, volunteer, re-read THE HOCKEY SWEATER and use your voice. We need a change of government.
Well said!!!
Concur completely. The govt is at most fault. The Fed Govt led by a someone who should never have been PM for all sorts of reasons, demonstrated on a daily basis now. The worst is the “post-national” statements. It has done serious damage, giving solace to those who wish to tear Canada apart, especially if they believe such will eventually allow govt funding to flow in their direction to assuage a situation that (may or may not have) developed decades ago or two hundred years ago. Not sure how to fix it now…
Agree completely John. Please keep this drum beat going. Post nationalism, diaspora politics and the cancellation crowd have a chokehold on this country to further their own interests at the expense of Canada. Those of us who truly love this country need voices like yours. Thanks!
I wrote this comment to Jen Gerson's substack entry "The problem of white people" which is as relevant here.
I wonder how many Canadians, white or otherwise, are sick of this whole narrative? You wrote. "we can all acknowledge the errors of our history,". It is time to start reacknowledging the successes of our forefathers. The vast majority of Canadians come from simple, oft times impoverished circumstances. Nothing was given to them. They worked hard to establish themselves and our families. These progressive thinkers have done a great disservice to generations of Canadians who have made this country one that was once envied. That is the Canadian "culture" and it is well worth defending from those who say otherwise.
I realize we are the silent majority. I watched over the last decade or more as minority interest groups organized and through protests, obstruction, demonstrations unravelled the fabric of the Canadian spirit.
Both my wife's and my grandfathers came to Canada as "Home" boys. Working n farms in Ontario in the very early 1900's. My grandmother was forced to leave her family in England as a young teen to be a servant to families in Canada. Yes, very white, very ango but not very privileged.
We have a land worthy of being very proud of — and a people; however, the system that governs the land and people is archaic causing the potential for our glorious land to never be met — which causes the people to work harder for less gain.
Canada needs a new system, but isn’t ready for it, thus we will suffer from the dilemma of poor leadership — since great captains don’t captain sinking ships.
Good column in which to start a discussion.
My how far we have fallen from the 1972 Summit Series to the Justin Trudeau years. I’m one of those right of centre Alberta voters who doesn’t want to see us become the 51st state but feel increasingly prouder to be Albertan than Canadian.
Don’t have any real solutions other than replacing the party of “Post Nationalism” which would be a necessary first step.
As an Albertan I'd be happy to be part of the new 51st state. If the eastern mentality of post national and welfare politics continues what would be the point in staying. If the rest of Canada decides it wants a better country they need to stop with the handouts and foreign politics on Canadian soil.
Agreed!! As a former transplant from AB to SK a genXer, the Trudeau’s have been a sht stain on Canada!! I have never appreciated the snobbery Laurentian thinking and definitely do not appreciate any gimmegrants either, WORK for the assistance given! The prairies were built by hard working settlers that had to learn very quickly how rugged and untamed Canada was learning how to survive on the terrain. First Nations were abused but I am unable to make restitution from all those years prior, woke mob smashing W.A MacDonald was pure childish tantrum destruction. I just hope and pray we all could meet together breaking bread/bannock and appreciate our similarities and uniqueness calmly. New to Canada invited also! I feel we’d be surprised at the many similarities shared enjoying one another. It’s okay to feel apprehensive, we’ve been emotionally and psychologically abused by Justin Trudeau since Covid-19&vaccine. Surprised (but not really) that the Trudeau foundation had vested interest in those. This explains his ferocious treatment of us ALL!!! We need the whole weasel LPC gone!!! Freeland Broomhilda WEF supporter will tell us of the whopping liabilities thanks to supporting the war in Ukraine that isn’t ours! Pierre will take over and implement a plan to take financial control and steer us back to sanity. Our military needs some TLC and Canada Post to stop holding up communications and delivery service!! Let’s keep our chins up and keep on moving forward taking time to play and laugh. Lord knows we need that oxytocin and smiles! Canada first. 🇨🇦 🫶🏻 ✌🏼
You put into words a conversation I was trying to have with my son tonight. 26 year old. Home from UVIC for the holidays Smart as hell doing his masters in Public Health. Looking to make a difference. History for some is 20 years ago. Not him.
A country in decline has no pride. Reverse the decline, increase the pride. Simple as that.
Good one John.
Agree with you, John. Too much regional warfare is also causing disillusionment. Hoping the threat of Trump will bring us back together with pride and defiance, instead of submissiveness and inner conflict. I am proud to be Canadian
They weren't anti-vax. They were anti-authoritarian. Pro-choice. Freedom of expression. And most of all looking back, all Canadians of all colours, creeds and religions. They did not, however, belong to the woke crowd.
To be lumped in with your other examples of disallusioned Canadians is not respectful of the thousands of regular, working, salt of earth people who stood up to tyranny and inspired the world.
I would encourage you to revise your way of thinking and thank a trucker for virtually everything that we get to enjoy from food to all that fills your house, including your early freedom from lockdowns, masking and repeated dosing of an experimental drug that never did a damn bit of good.
Or perhaps you were ok with all that went on? After all, you masked for it.
I defended their right to protest but not to blockade. I was there daily and it was ugly and I would say in-Canadian. You seem to have a very romantic view of what actually happened on the ground.
I generally agree with your take this time. But not the trucker convoy. A number of my friends were there week in and week out and never reported it as “ugly” except when the mounted police ran over grannies. One of my friends actually helped clean up and maintain the defaced statue.
I was at overpasses in bowmanville and Newcastle BITD among hundreds encouraging the convoy. Lots of flags. Lots of ardent Canadians.
Another point of view.
The Trudeau administration is responsible for this mess but this too will change. Sadly it’s taking a long time as the Khalistani sympathizer Singh props up the Trudeau oligarchy.
I was there and the mood was menacing and ugly. As always, there were well-intentioned useful idiots. But there were malign forces at work too.
They were antivax weirdos afraid of a changing world. I was there and talked to a lot of them. I'm white and a man which made them more open and honest about their reasons. It simply comes down to small minds afraid of a big world.
To all of you regarding g the freedom convoy. The opinions are divided. But a slim majority favoured the protest. Larger majority figured it went on too long. The fact remained the prime minister refused to meet with the protestors. Big mistake and you can blame him if it went on too long. Today terrorist Hamas protests go unchecked unarrested and effectively sanctioned by the prime minister who does nothing. So there is that.
The same PM is propped up by a Khalistani sympathizer and even as recently as yesterday declared it a failure that a woman was not elected as USA president. As he is a feminist
He is a corrupt politician. An f’ing idiot. So be careful how you blame patriotic Canadians who protested in Ottawa. I grew up in Ottawa as a teenager. Cry me a river your skiing was interrupted. Canada first.
Toronto Star:”Takeaways from AP’s report on a study into extremism in the military that used old data
The Associated Press has found that a Pentagon-funded study that looked into extremism in the military relied on old data, included misleading analyses and ignored evidence that could have led to a different conclusion.” November 2024
No they didn’t. https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/nearly-half-say-they-may-not-agree-with-trucker-convoy
Proof?
Ivison”https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/nearly-half-say-they-may-not-agree-with-trucker-convoy”. Are you folks reading impaired ? “ nearly half”
Means LESS then half. My comment was “ A SLIM MAJORITY “ favored the protest. Some days it’s just absurd. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Mr Ivison among them. But review the polls and understand clearly the legacy media were not objective.
Licht. For starters. How about anyone on Wellington street? . Btw no one lives on Wellington. It’s pretty damn easy. Walk down the street and engage.
The protest was clear. The protesters were ignored. Any email I sent to a liberal politician? Ignored. Any email to a conservative ? Replied. Starting with Poilievres five years ago. To suggest that the protestors could not be met because the PM disagreed with their views ? Flat out stupid.
And for your skiing needs during the protest ? Take the south route and cross st Cumberland and head to Tremblant. Better skiing than fortune anyway.